MWC, partners unveil facility for IP community
Manila Water Foundation, together with its institutional partners, Manila Water Co. (MWC), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and One Meralco Foundation (OMF), recently inaugurated a water treatment facility with a chlorinator and sand filter for a Dumagat community.
The facility will produce clean potable water to be stored in the five- water-tank reservoir over a 3-kilometer water line, and 17 watering points in Sitio Sapang Munti in norzagaray, Bulacan.
agreements were formalized among the water concessionaires, MWSS, and the Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR) to collaborate and complement resources for the ipo Watershed Management Plan, which safeguards its responsible protection, development, management and conservation.
Manila Water Foundation said it responds to the call for environmental sustainability within the watershed through the development of a program on WASH or water access, sanitation and hygiene, designed to address the needs of the indigenous peoples in Sitio Sapang Munti.
a series of technical and social assessments were conducted, with the cooperation of the MWSS Watershed Division and the community members, enabling the development of a water access project under the integrated WASH program of Manila Water Foundation.
During the water treatment facility handover, Manila Water Foundation Executive Director Reginald andal pointed out the importance of having a clean source of water to the community and how it can help protect individuals from having illnesses and diseases.
“Isa po sa pinakamahalagang elemento ng ating pamumuhay ay ang ating tubig. Sisiguraduhin nating lagi po tayong may tubig para maligtas sa kahit anong sakit,” he said.
The water system project will be operated and managed by the community of Sitio Sapang Munti, to ensure a more sustainable, safe, and reliable water source for at least 100 families.
Sitio Sapang Munti resident Maritess Cruz shared the challenges of living in a waterless community. “Hindi po kami marunong maghugas ng kamay nang tama. Basta ganun-ganun lang. Hindi rin po namin alam na ‘yung kinukuhanan namin ng tubig noon ay marumi pala. Sa tagal po ng panahon, pakiramdam ko ngayon lang kami nagising,” she said.
Manila Water said the water access project demonstrates synergy across business groups. along with Manila Water Foundation’s integrated WASH program, One Meralco Foundation will provide solar panels that will energize the water treatment facility. Hence, the water system and the solar electricity can enable the proper WASH practices in schools as their existing handwashing facility and toilet are now directly connected to the water line.